Microwave Water to Save Energy

Pulsar Advanced Technologies will launch a new product that heats water on demand. It is a water heater that has super-heating capabilities because it uses microwaves to heat the water. By heating on demand it means that hot water will not have to be stored, which means that the deadly Legionella Pneumophila is a non-threat.

The heater, affectionately known as the Vulcanus MK4, will be shown in Toronto at a construction conference next week. The Vulcans MK4 can heat water from near-freezing to near-boiling in seconds.

Chinese Eco-Cities

The Guardian has reported that a few British companies have signed contracts to help build some environmentally friendly cities in China.

From the article “The eco-cities are regarded both as a prototype for urban living in over-populated and polluted environments and as a magnet for investment funds into the rapidly growing Chinese economy.”

It is arguable, and I suppose ironic, that the way that the Chinese government is structured that makes initiatives like this feasible, unlike in many Western nations. The article was also published before the recent oil spill, but the oil spill has sparked demands for more environmental action (thanks, Emily!).

For more information on the technical aspects of the first sustainable city check out the press release from Arup. This is a huge step in the right direction for China (which is notorious for poor environmental protection) and further places China in an international lead when it comes to environmentally friendly societies.

Today is Pinochet’s 90th Birthday!

Today is infamous Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet’s 90th birthday. This is not the great news. The great news is that he didn’t have the big birthday party he was planning – with artists, military bands and lots of expensive food. Yesterday, judge Montiglio ordered his (at home) arrest, so the party was called off.

Pinochet is accused of more than 300 crimes. He is responsible for the killing of some 1000 people – including democratic elected Salvador Allende – in Chile and abroad and the theft of millions of dollars from Chilean state.

Happy birthday, Mi General!

(Just a thought: where should George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney spend their last years?)

Picture from www.rel-uita.org

Japanese May Make Better Biodiesel

oilJapanese researchers have found a more efficient way to produce biodiesel by using common place sugars. The sugars used are cheaper to purchase and do just as good a job of turning fatty acids into a badly-needed liquid as the currently used chemicals.

Cheaper production of biodiesel could lead to a greater adoption of the fuel since it takes little (or nothing) to make diesel cars run on the fuel. About 40% of cars in Europe consume diesel, with the market in the United States of America expected to grow as a result of rising gas prices.

Write for Rights!

On December 10th, 1948 the United Nations presented the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” which describes the basic rights of all people everywhere. Now known as Human Rights Day, December 10th is the perfect day for those who care about human rights issues to take part in making a difference. Amnesty International has put together an event called ‘Write for Rights’ and it is an awesome way for people to contribute a little kindness and generosity of spirit as we near the holiday season. You can write with your family or even put together an event with friends to raise awareness, money and take action against human rights abuses worldwide.

For more info you can visit http://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon/index.php